With the dazzling Wicked movie adaptation bringing Elphaba’s story to life on the big screen, it’s the perfect time to explore books that echo the themes and magic of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz. Whether you’re drawn to morally complex anti-heroes, reimagined classics, or worlds teeming with magic and mystery, this list has something for every reader.
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com is a laugh-out-loud romantic sci-fi adventure blending humor, heart, and intergalactic hijinks. Like Dorothy navigates the absurdities of Oz, the protagonist, Dorothy Valentine, must navigate an alien world filled with unexpected romance and chaos. Lemming’s sharp wit and unique premise turn the rom-com genre on its head while keeping readers thoroughly entertained. It’s a lighthearted yet touching story about finding love and belonging in the most unexpected places.
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The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin
The City We Became is a dazzling fantasy, introducing readers to New York City’s five boroughs personified as living avatars fighting a cosmic threat. Like Wicked, it explores the resilience of misunderstood and marginalized characters while showcasing a vibrant, magical world. Jemisin’s sharp, innovative storytelling blends social commentary with thrilling fantasy. The characters’ camaraderie and their fight for their city’s survival mirror themes of unity and defiance against oppression. It’s a love letter to cities and the people who bring them to life.
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Circe by Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s Circe reimagines the infamous Greek enchantress as a misunderstood, resilient heroine. Much like Wicked, it challenges traditional notions of villainy by exploring Circe’s defiance of the gods and her quest for self-empowerment. With lush prose and a richly mythological setting, the novel highlights the transformative power of self-acceptance. Readers will be captivated by its emotional depth and Circe’s journey to find her place in a hostile world. It’s a must-read for those who love tales of magic, defiance, and redemption.
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The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow
Harrow’s spellbinding novel, The Once and Future Witches, blends historical fiction and fantasy, following three sisters reviving witchcraft to fight for women’s rights. Readers who enjoy stories about misunderstood, powerful women pushing back against oppressive systems will find this an enchanting read. The lush prose and layered characters make it a poignant exploration of resilience and sisterhood.
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Toto by A.J. Hackwith
A.J. Hackwith offers a fresh take on The Wizard of Oz by telling the story from Toto’s perspective. Just as Wicked reexamines Elphaba’s narrative, Toto sheds light on Oz’s unsung heroes and hidden truths. The novel brims with wit, heart, and new dimensions to beloved characters and settings. Readers will appreciate its exploration of loyalty, bravery, and the unseen sacrifices behind iconic journeys. It’s a nostalgic yet innovative dive back into Oz that fans won’t want to miss.
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Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Adeyemi’s gripping, emotional storytelling shines in Children of Blood and Bone as Zélie, fights to restore magic to her community. Like Wicked, it explores power, prejudice, and the fight against injustice while challenging traditional hero-villain narratives. Zélie’s journey of self-discovery and resilience mirrors Elphaba’s struggle to reclaim her identity and reshape her world. Fans of The Wizard of Oz will love the vivid world-building and richly drawn characters that bring Orïsha to life.
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Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige
Dorothy Must Die is a bold reimagining of Oz. Dorothy has become a tyrant ruling a land warped by her greed and power. Readers who are drawn to fresh takes on familiar worlds will find this dark, action-packed twist irresistible. Amy Gumm, a Kansas girl whisked into Oz, is recruited to join the rebellion and dismantle Dorothy’s oppressive regime. The story brims with moral complexity, compelling characters, and thrilling twists, much like Elphaba’s journey in Wicked.
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The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The Night Circus is a magical love story that centers on two illusionists bound by a lifelong competition within a mysterious, otherworldly circus. Readers enchanted by Wicked’s lush visuals and intricate storytelling will revel in the circus’s enchanting atmosphere. Morgenstern’s vivid prose and intricate descriptions create a world as mesmerizing as Oz. Themes of ambition, love, and sacrifice add emotional depth to the story. It’s a spellbinding tale that lingers long after the last page.
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The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
The Priory of the Orange Tree is a sweeping epic fantasy transporting readers to a world divided by ancient rivalries and the looming threat of dragons. With intricate world-building, interwoven storylines, and rich character development, Shannon crafts a tale of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. Readers captivated by Wicked’s exploration of power and resistance will find similar themes in the novel’s portrayal of fierce women shaping their destinies.
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Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Stephanie Garber invites readers into the enchanting, mysterious world of Caraval, a once-a-year performance where the lines between reality and illusion blur. Scarlett Dragna, desperate to escape her life, risks everything to save her sister. With its dazzling twists, Garber’s tale captures the magic and danger of a world where nothing is as it seems. Fans of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz will appreciate the novel’s vibrant setting and its themes of self-discovery amid fantastical challenges.
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